[492] VS
Natsuki Minamiya looked at August, her impression of him shifting upward.
Though August was like a demon—devoid of mercy, reckless, and fiercely self-centered—one thing touched her deeply: he treated his own people exceptionally well.
Take their usual interactions, for instance. Once they grew familiar, as long as she didn't cross his bottom line, August didn't mind her behavior.
Even now, despite having made a decision, he altered it at Esdeath's request.
This single act overturned the image of an utterly self-absorbed August in Natsuki's mind.
On the other side, Esdeath gazed at Koyomi Shizuka with unbridled excitement.
"Don't worry, I won't summon my familiars. This is a fight between you and me. If you can defeat me, you'll save your organization and your country."
"Thank you for your mercy."
"It's not mercy—just a whim of mine."
Koyomi fell silent. In this regard, Esdeath and August were alike.
When the mood struck, they'd act without regard for consequences, no matter how massive the fallout.
Take this time, for example. Because Aya Tokoyogi was injured, August, in a fit of rage, killed Kojou Akatsuki—along with his mother, sister, girlfriend, and everyone else tied to him.
Originally, August had planned to toy with Kojou longer, waiting until he fully mastered the Fourth Progenitor's power before facing him in a true battle, defeating him, and claiming everything.
But Kojou had blundered his way to an early exit.
Whoosh!
A flash lit Koyomi's hand, and a spear appeared.
Sekkarou, the Seven-Type Assault Demon-Slaying Machine Gun—a weapon once given to Yukina Himeragi by the Lion King Organization, now reclaimed and wielded by Koyomi.
"You dare bring that out in front of me? You've got guts. I haven't settled that score with you yet."
"Lord August, I deeply apologize. Once this is over, the Lion King Organization will return Sekkarou and Koka-lyn with both hands."
"Hmph."
August snorted coldly, saying nothing more. Koyomi knew she was in trouble.
Even if she defeated this woman, August's wrath would ensure the Lion King Organization wouldn't escape unscathed.
At this moment, she genuinely regretted her baffling series of decisions—practically begging for death.
But there was no time for regrets. Her only chance to salvage anything was to beat Esdeath.
Otherwise, both the Lion King Organization and Japan would face annihilation.
A Fourth Progenitor with ten familiars fully under control could destroy them—it was only a matter of time.
No one, no nation, no force worldwide would intervene. They'd just watch Japan's downfall with glee.
"Hey, what's your name?"
"I'm Hisano, this generation's Koyomi Shizuka."
"Good, I'll remember it. When I destroy the Lion King Organization after killing you, I'll tell them you fought with everything to stop me."
"The outcome isn't decided yet."
"I don't lose."
Esdeath declared confidently. It was a vow she'd made to herself.
After losing to August once, she swore to grow stronger—stronger than anyone—never to taste defeat again.
Whoosh!
In an instant, Koyomi's figure vanished.
Silence Breaker—Koyomi's ability—allowed her to insert attacks into nonexistent time, striking before her enemy could act.
In short, she always held the first move, no matter the fight.
Spurt!
Blood sprayed as Sekkarou's blade slashed Esdeath's chest. Even as the Fourth Progenitor, the spear could harm her—potentially even slay a progenitor in theory.
"Absolute Frost Domain!"
Unfazed by the gash across her chest, Esdeath reveled in it. She was a "beast"—blood only fueled her excitement, driving her wilder.
A torrent of frigid air swept the ground. The area was already frozen by the Cerulean Ice, giving Esdeath an edge, yet she stacked another advantage.
"Ice Javelins!"
With a wave, ice spears shot toward Koyomi like August's Treasury of the King.
Koyomi wielded Sekkarou with the grace of a dancer, weaving through the barrage and shattering spears she couldn't dodge.
"Divine Child of Suzaku and High Priestess of the Sword, I beseech thee! Dawn of demon-breaking, wolf of Sekkarou, lend me thy steel divine might to vanquish the wicked gods and hundred demons!"
The Seven-Type Assault Demon-Slaying Machine Gun activated its divine resonance wave technique. Small magic circles linked at the spear's tip.
Esdeath didn't flinch. She conjured an icy longsword and clashed with Koyomi.
Bang!
Crack!
At first, they were evenly matched, but gradually, Koyomi fell behind.
She was exceptional—becoming a leader of the Three Saints at a young age, wielding Silence Breaker, one of Japan's mightiest attack mages.
But in raw combat and slaughter, Esdeath outclassed her by miles.
Her battle experience was forged in war and bloodshed.
"Ritual Strike: Thunder!"
A bolt of lightning streaked toward Esdeath, fast and close.
"Ice—"
Esdeath remained calm, summoning an ice shield to block the strike.
"Frostfang Pursuit!"
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Jagged ice spikes, like canine teeth, erupted around Koyomi, lunging at her.
Koyomi swung Sekkarou tirelessly, shattering every spike.
The battle intensified. From a distance, Natsuki watched in astonishment.
She hadn't expected Esdeath to be this formidable—overwhelmingly so, even without summoning familiars.
She was even suppressing Koyomi Shizuka.
But August, nearby, knew the truth. Esdeath was using Koyomi to hone herself.
Her power had surged so drastically that she needed to master it—and combat was the best way.
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